RESUMPTION OF RACING – UPDATE

Big racing on the cards next weekend, at long last the SA Derby, SA Oaks and Horse Chestnut Stakes will be run at Turffies on Saturday and then on Sunday we have the Guineas and fillies Guineas from Greyville as well as the Drill Hall Stakes.

With the announcement about the travel limitations for jockeys It would be very interesting to see jockey engagements especially for Turffontein, imo opens up a wonderful opportunity for certain jocks not involved with champs season to prove their metal on above average thoroughbreds.

Bob Brogan wrote: Serious question, has permission been granted to race or are we just going for it?

Excellent question!

Sports Minister I think talks on Saturday. Racing needs to appoint a COVID Compliance Team, Head of team reporting into NHA, put the above into a COVID Compliance Charter, add a few more functions which are required, include an indemnity, training has to be performed by a professional on all attending the race meeting logged and signed, tests need to be done once a week on all attending the race meeting, COVID Compliance must be included in the Stipes Report and published etc

I would get that right with Sports Minister and NCCC first then aim to race mid June.

Don’t rush for Monday, mess it up and have it closed please.

This question has been asked on a few threads along the lines "are we waiting for a letter or file to be signed off" or are we going ahead based on the "green tick" we all watched on tv based on non contact sport eg Golf?

Hope everything is properly covered and no comebacks 🙏

In agreement that all angles need to be covered to avoid any comebacks, especially the grooms need to be looked after and wrapped in cotton wool.

We certainly don't want to go down that path again.

Saint Tropez wrote: In agreement that all angles need to be covered to avoid any comebacks, especially the grooms need to be looked after and wrapped in cotton wool.

We certainly don't want to go down that path again.

Have seen a couple of SM posts from the Groom leader saying the grooms have not been tested, this could be an issue if they want to cause a ruccus

I would think that they would have that letter in writing and confirmed otherwise it could be weeks. On 29 th of April when they announced who could open on level 4 they announced that motor dealers could open 1st may. A friend of mine who is a dealer was on cloud 9 knowing that they can start. On Friday 1 may the police closed a few dealers down,then Monday 4 th police closed everyone and fined them.The police were instructed that the rules had to be gazetted,the motor industry had to wait until that came through on the night of the 12 th may that they can now open.
If our letter from the government says we came open subject to rules then there will be a delay. I’m glad we have the go ahead as when I heard Zuma say yesterday that no casinos can open or similar activity’s there was a worry because in their minds they just see gambling.

Not sure if I missed this but what about Silks - How are they cleaned etc I know in the past silks belonging to one owner often swopped and used by different jockeys on the day - Does an owner who has maybe 10 runners on the day have 10 sets of silks ? Also the jockey room showers etc how does that work ?

oscar wrote:

Bob Brogan wrote: Serious question, has permission been granted to race or are we just going for it?

Excellent question!

Sports Minister I think talks on Saturday. Racing needs to appoint a COVID Compliance Team, Head of team reporting into NHA, put the above into a COVID Compliance Charter, add a few more functions which are required, include an indemnity, training has to be performed by a professional on all attending the race meeting logged and signed, tests need to be done once a week on all attending the race meeting, COVID Compliance must be included in the Stipes Report and published etc

I would get that right with Sports Minister and NCCC first then aim to race mid June.

Don’t rush for Monday, mess it up and have it closed please.

Right on Oscar. What with the uncertainty about Protocols, appointment of the COVID compliance team, discussions after meetings with the NHA, grooms..........
I feel for those trying to get the show on the road.

mr hawaii wrote: Not sure if I missed this but what about Silks - How are they cleaned etc I know in the past silks belonging to one owner often swopped and used by different jockeys on the day - Does an owner who has maybe 10 runners on the day have 10 sets of silks ? Also the jockey room showers etc how does that work ?

club colours will need to be every colour on the rainbow

Bookmakers are also seeking clarity, as they feel they fall under "All Retail"

Bob Brogan wrote: Bookmakers are also seeking clarity, as they feel they fall under "All Retail"

Extreme Control needed as personally I have seen way more people packed in the soccer lines than at any church and there is zero room to move - The racing sections always empty so they are safe - I would also think instead of these frequent tests maybe better to do antibody tests - that way you can actually gauge how many people have already contracted once(I do think you won't readily be infected again but that is debatable)